Friends stocks each of the pediatric cancer and oncology centers in St. Louis with a whole host of different items. They are all aimed at diverting their attention and replacing tears and pain with smiles and laughter.
Seasonal gift packages are delivered to hospitals, which contain small themed items to play with or wear. These packages help children participate in holiday or seasonal fun when they're absent from school or need some extra motivation or cheer.
As the effects of The Toy Closet became obvious and positive, Friends of Kids decided to expand on that very idea. It was one thing to have one toy to play with, after picking one out of the closet, but the entire clinic needed some sprucing up.
In some hospitals, Friends of Kids with Cancer has adopted entire rooms to enhance the patient experience with comfortable, fun, and distracting items. Game tables, video game consoles, teen rest areas, arts and crafts, and much more are available.
Know a child or family who could benefit from our services? Contact the patient's hospital social worker or care team for a referral to Friends.
